Institute

The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux

 

As part of Finland’s international framework for artistic, academic, and cultural exchange and export, the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux builds bridges between cultural practitioners and institutions in Finland and the Benelux region. We foster new creative collaboration and topical international initiatives.

The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux was founded in 1993. Based in Antwerp for 13 years, it was relocated to the Sablon district of Brussels in 2006. The Institute is maintained by the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux Trust. The Trust’s domicile is in Helsinki, Finland. The Institute is supported by The Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland

We are a member of The Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes (SKTI), a Helsinki-based association, with 16 Finnish cultural and academic institutes around the world. The institute collaborates with other Finnish organisations in the Team Finland network and with other European cultural institutes in the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) network. The Institute held the presidency of the EUNIC Brussels cluster for 2021–2022.

Organisation

STRATEGY

STRATEGY 2019–2023

MISSION

We foster new creative collaboration and topical international initiatives.

As part of Finland’s international framework for artistic, academic, and cultural exchange and export, the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux builds bridges between cultural practitioners and institutions in Finland and the Benelux region.

VISION

The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux is recognised as a driving force of cultural advancement and international exchange in the midst of our ever-changing contemporary reality.

The Benelux region is a vibrant cultural hub and excellent entry point for Finnish cultural practitioners looking to branch out internationally. The Institute is based in Brussels, a recognised European city of arts and an excellent central location for making a social impact.

The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux is a dynamic, solidly funded cultural institute that is recognised internationally for its valuable work promoting interesting contemporary practitioners and organisations and raising topical themes of discourse.

VALUES

Progressive mindset

We boldly embrace new ideas and experimentation. We foster the joy of creativity. We advocate equality and support cultural diversity.

Impactful

We continuously improve our performance and we openly share our results. We are a transparent and reliable partner, and we are recognised for our topical programming.

Expertise

We rely on the expertise of our staff and our extensive network of partners. We strive to continually expand our knowledge base. We value and invest in the skills and wellbeing of our staff.

Responsibility

We are a reliable partner, and we strive to create a more sustainable and socially equitable environment for the practice of art and culture.

BOARD

Executive Board

Suvi Innilä, Chairperson, Managing director

Paula Raitis, Vice Chairperson, Director of Human Resources

Lieven Ameel, Member, Adjunct Professor

Leena Malkki, Member, Senior Lecturer

Martti Kivistö, Member, Master of Laws

Deputy members

Antti Wihanto, Honorary Consul for Belgium

Iiris Kivimäki, Expert, Corporate Fundraising

Marja Rislakki, Ambassador

Kalle Jämsen, Master of Philosophy

Tuomas Parkkari, Master of Political Science

In matters concerning the Trust please contact the Institute’s Head of Administration Eeva-Maria Viitanen at eeva-maria.viitanen@finncult.be who is also the Secretary of the Trust.

Mail address of the Trust:
Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux Trust
Kalliolinnantie 4
00140 Helsinki
Finland